“Lady consort,” Councilor Roark said, lowering to one knee before her. It was the traditional position of respect and honor when offering allegiance. All members of the council offered it to me at the death of my father and during my investiture.
“Lady consort,” the other members repeated together, also lowering to one knee before her.
Eva glanced at them, then up at me. “They are giving you their respect.”
“But—”
“We are glad of your return, lady consort.”
Commotion at the entrance to the tent turned everyone’s heads. Davish stepped inside with Mara. The woman ran to the stage and dropped to her knees as well.
“I am sorry, Eva—”
“Lady consort,” Roark advised.
Mara licked her lips and looked contrite. “Lady consort, I am so very sorry for how I treated you. I owe you a debt for sav
